I have been using Restasis since August. But I have also been taking the high doses of fish oil (I may switch to NYMom’s brand since they are considerably less expensive than what I am using), taking Oracea (a doxycycline to combat inflammation from rosacea, which eye dr. said has also resulted in ocular rosacea), doing warm soaks every morning followed by a lid scrub (for blepharitis - inflammation of eyelids), plus a face cream to calm the rosacea. My eyes felt better for a while, but lately not as good as they had been, but I’m sure it’s because the heat is running everywhere much more now. I also use Thera Tears if it gets too bad. So I am not sure what is really working - maybe it’s everything all together, maybe it’s just individual things. I would love to eliminate some of it if I can.
I have had the temporary ones inserted twice, IIRC, but after a few weeks they seem to disappear. Maybe they fall out and I’m not aware of it. I don’t recall if they helped me or not, but I haven’t discussed them with my doc for years. (I also must admit that having them inserted is equivalent to nails on a chalkboard for me. If I do it again, I want to be sedated.)
For those of you who have them: Have they helped? Did the temporary ones fall out? @randh, I thought that the permanent solution was to cauterize the little canals, not put plastic in. Has anyone had that done?
And so forth.
I was diagnosed with Sjogren’s in 1988 and, though I’m not as bad off as some people are, I’m damn sick of it.
As for the plugs, I had no problem having them inserted and they have remained in place for over two months at this point. I have no idea if they made a big difference or not since I am doing so many things. But they don’t bother me so they can stay in.
I’ve seen Dr. Latkany several times, and he’s been very helpful. He’s the one who recommended that I discontinue Restasis. I used to do warm compresses a lot, but he says now that it would be better to do cold compresses. I love the warm compresses, so I still do them once in a while.
He’s recommended that I try a gluten-free diet, to reduce inflammation. I’d like to, but haven’t been able to get myself organized to do it yet. It’s hard enough with one son who is a vegan, another son who has food allergies, and a husband who can’t tolerate onions, beans, lentils - the staples of a vegan diet. I’m cooking all the time and introducing yet another restriction would be difficult. I asked my rheumatologist about gluten, and she said that while there is no evidence that eliminating gluten helps with autoimmune disorders, some of her patients have found that their symptoms are improved if they eliminate gluten.
Yes. I have Sjogren’s, with the associated dry eyes and dry mouth, and I also have Hashimoto’s thyroiditis. Got the thyroid problem after the birth of S1, in early 1985, and the Sjogren’s was diagnosed in 1988. Both are autoimmune diseases.
Update: I went to an eye doctor at my regular medical group. She said that Restasis works for 30-40% of her patients. She said I didn’t have to take it, and I should just use the artificial no-preservative tears 3 or 4 times a day. The next step, when my eyes get worse, will be trying Restasis, and after that, punctal plugs.
Based on this thread, I just started taking fish oil twice a day. I’ve marked my calendar for one month and three months from now, so I can assess whether I notice any difference. I hope it helps.
I just want to add that based on info found on this thread, other threads and online, I have greatly improved my dre eyes over the past year. I take 4 large fish oil capsules daily and use the moist compress that you heat in the microwave before bed and in the morning. I have improved from wearing my contacts for 6-7 miserable hours and taking them out as soon as I came home, to wearing for 8-9 hours pretty comfortably. Huge improvement for me.
@VeryHappy – my eye doc said the Thermalon moist eye compress stimulates the glands under the eyelid to release more lubricating moisture on their own. I used the Thermalon with my eyes closed, and after taking it off (about 3-5 minutes later) my eyes take a minute to really focus again as I blink and move around the resulting moisture.
I’m seeing Doogie Howser opth. now (well, early 30’s, which is like Doogie Howser to me!) and I found it interesting that having just finished his residency and fellowship that his suggestions were inexpensive and not drug-oriented. I like him. (Fish oil 4/day, humidifier, eye wipes, Thermalon compress, and occupational glasses to reduce eye stress when using the computer.)
I am trying another course of Oracea for rosacea (facial redness) – he said it might also be helpful for the eyes because ocular rosacea is a possibility. I’ll do that for 3 months, but that is primarily a derm issue.
I normally use Finacea (topical) but that is not as good for breakouts and of course it can’t be used in the eyes.
I’ve usually used a course (3 months for me) of Oracea about every two years. The dry eye is a new symptom in the past six months for me, and it progressed enough to make me go see the doc a few months ago.
I was prescribed Finacea and used one tube of it. The stuff was great, but it’s not covered by my insurance. At a cost of $300 per tube, it’s no longer on my list. But I am being well-managed with two topicals – MetroGel in the AM and Sulfacetamide in the PM.
rockvillemom, I recently switched to a type of contact that is incredibly comfortable. I’ve tried several kinds, and I always had to put in eyedrops frequently during the day. Now I’m using Alcon Dailies Total 1, and I never need eyedrops with them at all. I can wear them for 16 hour days with no problems.
(Fish oil 4/day, humidifier, eye wipes, Thermalon compress, and occupational glasses to reduce eye stress when using the computer.)